common calf ( common sheep )

A very simple style of leather binding, often not
headbanded or backed, and without pastedowns or
lettering on the spine. They were produced for the
inexpensive edition or retail trade, particularly
during the 17th and 18th centuries. The vast
majority of the 17th century bindings were in full
leather, as were those of the first half of the
18th; thereafter they were also bound in half
leather. (237 )